``Five out of the six parties at today's meeting agree that the next
step is the setting up of the institutions.

``Today's discussions are about implementing the Good Friday
agreement. We welcome the recognition in today's meeting that the
Good Friday agreement cannot be renegotiated. The discussions are
about the establishment of the Executive, the all-Ireland Ministerial
Council and the transfer of power to these bodies.

``The UUP demands on decommissioning are outside the agreement. Sinn
Fein cannot meet these demands. There are many unresolved issues
including decommissioning. There are agreed mechanisms for addressing
these issues. In the case of decommissioning this remit falls to the
IICD. In addition, the terms of the agreement categorically binds
all members of the Executive to the use of exclusively peaceful and
democratic methods. This provides adequate and cast iron assurances
for everyone.''